1

Pick members who live close to you in your city. Narrow down by closest intersection.

2

Pick SitSwap members who have children around the same age as your kids. The choice is up to you. You may find there is more synergy with children closer in age.

3

Browse through the member profiles and make a note of who you find appealing. Send your selected member a friendly e-mail and introduce yourself. Let them know that you are interested in finding out more about them for a potential SitSwap relationship. She will most likely look at your Personal Profile too.

4

Arrange to contact your SitSwap member over the phone. Have a friendly chat. Ask questions (see below) and screen. Go with your gut feeling. Do I have something in common with her? Does she sound receptive? Do we click? Is she worth perusing a face-to face meeting? If you feel good about the other mom over the phone, set up a casual playdate. Do not feel obligated to pursue the relationship if something does not feel right.

5

The playdate "interview” process is a wonderful way to get to know one another and each others kids. Make your first meeting casual and fun! Set it up at public place, such as an indoor/outdoor playground or a local coffee shop. Take delight in meeting your new friend and observe how your kids play together. Be open and share your needs (ex: I'm looking for occasional help every 2nd Friday for 3 hours). Please refer to our list of helpful questions below on this page.

6

Meet again if the initial playdate went well and there's synergy between everyone. If you feel comfortable, have the next playdate at one of your homes. It's an opportunity to view the household pet (if any) and to inspect household cleanliness and childproofing. Don't forget to check out the backyard and play areas. Flip it around the following time and have the next playdate at the other mom’s home. Remember - build a trusting relationship first before the exchange of childcare begins.

7

A Background & Reference Check? It’s Up to You.

It's not unreasonable to take every available avenue to make sure that person is as safe as possible.If you feel it is necessary, ask for references. Perhaps you will want to conduct a legal background check too. There are many sites that offer background checking services such as www.efindoutthetruth.com. You can also do your own informal background check. Enter the members name into sites such as Facebook or Google them.

Please remember that SitSwap Inc. is NOT responsible for screening members. You are. The option to screen is solely the decision of the individual member - not of SitSwap.ca Inc.

8

Listen To Your Kids. Are they Happy?

Sometimes children have the best intuition out of all of us. Watch how your kids react to your potential SitSwap buddy. Ask them for their feedback after the playdate(s).If they are happy and want to get together again with their new-found caregiver... great! You are on your way to a wonderful SitSwap relationship. Enjoy!

1

If you expect them to make meals, snacks, baby bottles, or administer medication, ask them what level they're comfortable with.

2

Discuss food allergies and allergy medication in the event of an emergency (ie EpiPen, Benadryl, Ventolin).

3

Is their child shy or outgoing? Ask them what their stance on discipline is (Rewards/Time Outs/Naughty Corner)

4

Do they have CPR/First Aide knowledge?

5

Find out who else will be in the home during the SitSwap session. Do they have any pets?

6

Be sure to cover any areas of personal importance to you. If you're a vegetarian, address that. Be clear if you don't allow t.v., movies or video games.